SNAs increased to 11,000 for 2014 in response to demand

Labour Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement yesterday afternoon that Minister Quinn will be increasing the SNA cap of 10,575, set by Fianna Fáil in 2010, to 11,000 for 2014. An additional 390 Special Needs Assistants posts have been added overall with 170 to be added immediately and 220 to be added in the new year.
'It is Government policy that every child who needs an SNA allocation should receive one and this increase in the cap of SNAs proves that we have listened to our educational partners and the parents on the ground on this issue and we will remain true to our policy.
'I very much welcome the announcement that 170 SNA posts will be added immediately. As a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection I engage with many advocacy, parent and education groups on the issue of special needs education. I have been made acutely aware that there has been an increasing number year on year of children enrolling in schools which in turn means there is also a rise in the number of supports needed for children with special educational needs, which can vary along a wide spectrum. All of the 390 newly added posts are greatly welcomed but I am very happy that there has been a recognition at Cabinet level that 170 posts must be allocated immediately.
'The NCSE will allocate the new SNA posts on the basis of need which means those schools and children most in need of such supports will receive them in the very short term.
'Minister Quinn has listened and responded to those on the ground on this issue. Through my work on the Education Committee and as Labour Seanad Spokesperson on Education and Disability, I will continue to work with all groups and my colleagues to ensure that special education remains a priority and our children are afforded the best possible opportunities in schools.'